Civil War Defenses of Washington

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Civil War Defenses of Washington

Welcome to the official page for the Civil War Defenses of Washington. one of the most heavily fortified locations in the world.

The Civil War Defenses of Washington is a complex system of earthwork fortifications constructed by Union forces during the Civil War. Originally comprised of 68 earthwork forts, 20 miles of rifle pits, 32 miles of military roads, and 93 detached batteries, these fortifications made Washington, D.C. Today, the National Park Service manages 19 of these sites.

08/30/2026

What an incredible National Park Week! Thank you to everyone who joined us to hike 🥾, paddle 🛶, dance 💃, explore🚶, learn🔎, create🎨, and celebrate 🎉 at Rock Creek Park.

From Peirce Mill and Old Stone House to Georgetown Waterfront, Meridian Hill Park, and the Civil War Defenses of Washington, you helped bring our parks to life. We'd love to hear from you!

Share your favorite photos from National Park Week in the comments or tag us in your posts using and .

Thank you for celebrating America's story with us—we can't wait to welcome you back for your next adventure!

08/28/2026

Strike a Pose... Civil War Style!

Ever wondered what you'd look like dressed for the 1860s? Visit our Civil War Stuff pop-up to explore the hats, uniforms, and clothing that tell the story of Civil War soldiers. Then create your own Abraham Lincoln-inspired paper hat, try on reproduction Civil War clothing, and snap a selfie at our Civil War Selfie Station! Make a hat, dress up for a selfie, and discover the stories behind Civil War uniforms.

Join us at Battleground National Cemetery on Saturday, August 29th from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and find out how good history looks on you!

Photo: Enlisted Man's Forage Cap, Model 1858
Photo Credit: Smithsonian Institution

08/27/2026

Play Like It's the 1860s! No batteries. No screens. Just imagination!

Step back in time and discover the games children played during the Civil War. Try your hand at marbles, hoop rolling, Jacob's Ladder, cup-and-ball, and more while learning what childhood was like over 160 years ago. Challenge your family and learn a new favorite game.

Fun for all ages. Come on out to Battleground National Cemetery on Friday, August 28 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and play with us!

Which game do you think you'll win?

Photo: Illustration of a Jacob's Ladder toy
Photo Credit: Scientific American, Volume 61 No. 15, October 12, 1889

08/26/2026

What can a cemetery teach us about history?

Join a ranger for a family-friendly walk through Battleground National Cemetery and uncover the stories of the soldiers buried here. Along the way, you'll become a history detective, searching for clues hidden in monuments, symbols, and headstones while discovering how we remember those who served. This 30-minute ranger walk is perfect for families with children ages 6+

Come on out to Battleground National Cemetery on Thursday, August 27 from 1:30–2:00 p.m. and investigate the past.

History isn't just something you read, it's a story you can explore.

Photo: Headstone of Thomas McIntyre (misidentified as H. McIntire) at Battleground National Cemetery.
Photo Credit: NPS/M. Draper

08/25/2026

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It!

Before television and social media, Americans got their news from newspapers and political cartoons!

Stop by our Civil War Stuff pop-up at Battleground National Cemetery on Thursday, August 27th from 10 AM - 1 PM and discover how artists, editors, and cartoonists influenced public opinion during one of the most dramatic periods in our nation's history.

• Read historic headlines
• Explore political cartoons
• Discover how media shaped history

Event details can be found at go.nps.gov/CivilWarMedia

What would the headlines have said if you lived during the Civil War?

Image One: Scott's Great Snake cartoon.
Image One Credit: Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division

Image Two: The true issue or "Thats Whats the Matter" by Currier & Ives
Image Two Credit: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

08/20/2026

Stand by the Colors! What did a flag mean during the Civil War? Much more than you might think! Join a ranger to discover how regimental flags inspired soldiers and how signal flags sent secret messages across the battlefield. Then it's your turn to create a flag that tells your story!

• Design your own flag
• Learn the meaning behind Civil War colors and symbols
• Free, family-friendly, drop-in activity

We look forward to seeing you at Battleground National Cemetery on Saturday, August 22nd from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Come for a few minutes or stay awhile—history has never been so colorful!

Photo: First State Color of the 98th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Photo Credit: Courtesy PA Capitol Preservation Committee

08/04/2026

Pack it in and pack it out to help our partners Ward 8 Woods clean up Shepherd Parkway on Saturday!

The Parkway is home to Civil War fort remains, waterways, and wildlife habitats, so every piece of litter removed greatly improves its overall health. Register to join in👇https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000PSNw9YAH

Photo: NPS/Conall Rubin-Thomas

08/01/2026

Adventure is just around the corner! This National Park Week (August 22 - 30), discover the many stories waiting to be explored at Rock Creek Park. From historic mills and Civil War sites to forest trails, waterfront adventures, family activities, and live music, there's something happening almost every day.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime park fan, National Park Week is the perfect time to try something new. Find out more about Rock Creek Park's programs at https://go.nps.gov/ROCRcalendar

Which activities are you most excited about—history, nature, music, hiking, or hands-on family fun?

Photos: 1: NPS Photo/J. Land; 2: Courtesy of Bruce Guthrie

#250

07/11/2026

In May 1863, he wrote to his mother that despite defeats and hardship, he remained proud to serve in the Army of the Potomac.

He could not have known that just fourteen months later, his life would come to an end during the Battle of Fort Stevens.

Who was the young soldier behind the letter?

Join the ranger-led walk "In the Steps of the Fallen from Fort Stevens to Battleground National Cemetery" today at Fort Stevens Day and uncover his story as we follow the path from Fort Stevens to Battleground National Cemetery.

Photo: 139th Pennsylvania Monument at Gettysburg National Military Park
Photo Credit: Mark Bias

Address

Washington D.C., DC
20011

Telephone

+12028292163

Website

http://www.nps.gov/cwdw

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